City Announces Spring TREEPHILLY Yard Tree Giveaways and Celebritrees Social Media Campaign

Philly celebrities help promote tree giveaways through funny and punny tree caricatures
Philadelphia – Mayor Jim Kenney and Philadelphia Parks & Recreation (PPR) announced open registration for the Spring 2017 TreePhilly Yard Tree Giveaways. The giveaways, hosted in partnership with the Fairmount Park Conservancy and TD Bank, are open to Philadelphia property owners to obtain and plant up to two free trees in a yard or lawn on private property.  Registration is open through March 27, and a variety of species are available, including large shade trees, small flowering trees, and fruit trees.

“Increasing Philadelphia’s tree canopy is essential to our neighborhoods,” said Mayor Kenney. “TreePhilly is an incredible initiative because it provides residents with an opportunity to plant trees on their property that will clean our air and water, in addition to making communities more attractive and inviting.”

TreePhilly connects Philadelphia property owners, businesses, and neighbors with the resources they need to plant and care for trees. TreePhilly’s efforts are in direct response to the City of Philadelphia’s sustainability goal to increase tree canopy coverage to 30% in all neighborhoods, so everyone can benefit from the increase shade, cleaner air and water, and beauty that trees provide.

New this year, TreePhilly is announcing a Philly CelebriTrees social media campaign in which Philly celebrities have agreed to be rendered as tree caricatures to promote the Spring Yard Tree Giveaways. Residents can see the various CelebriTrees on social media and enter to win autographed posters throughout the registration period via Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram (@TreePhilly).   Featured CelebriTrees include Mayor Jim Kenney, Philadelphia Eagle Connor Barwin, WMMR’s Preston & Steve, and local musicians Dr. Dog.

“TreePhilly continues to develop innovative ways to reach even more Philadelphians and educate them about trees,” said PPR Commissioner Kathryn Ott Lovell.  “We couldn’t do it without the support from TD Bank and the community organizations that work with us throughout the City.”

Residents can register to pick up their free yard tree at one of four (4) special giveaway events across the City in April (sites and dates below). Detailed information on all available species can be found at www.treephilly.org, and participants can choose their species when they register online or over the phone. Registration is strongly encouraged, but walk-ins will be welcomed during each event while supplies last. Participants will also receive a tree planting and care demonstration provided by tree experts, free mulch, and educational materials.

The citywide yard tree giveaway events and locations are as follows:

• Congreso de Latinos Unidos (216 W. Somerset St., 19133), Sat. April 1^st, 10am-12pm
• South Philadelphia High School (2101 S. Broad St., 19148), Sun. April 2^nd, 12pm-2pm
• Woodhaven TD Bank store (3930 Woodhaven Rd., 19154), Sat. April 8^th, 12pm-2pm
• Roxborough TD Bank store (5501 Ridge Ave., 19128), Sun. April 9^th, 10am-12pm

“We share TreePhilly and the City of Philadelphia’s commitment to making our community greener and we’re proud to partner with them again to boost Philly’s tree canopy,” Michael Carbone, TD Bank’s Metro Philadelphia Regional President, said. “We are rooted in Philadelphia. We walk our dogs down the same streets as our customers. We shop at the same stores. We play in the same parks. For us, this is more than a sponsorship; it’s a vital part of how we operate.”

PPR also announced the winners of the Spring 2017 Community Yard Tree Giveaway Grants (see below). In addition to the four citywide giveaway events listed above, the following community groups will host yard tree events in their neighborhoods this spring. Grantees will receive either 50 or 100 trees from TreePhilly, as well as a $500 grant. Dates, times, and registration information for these community events will be announced soon.

• Nueva Esperanza, Inc. (19140) and Wyoming Library (19120)
• Diversified Community Services (19146)

And again this year, residents with limited mobility can apply for free yard tree delivery and planting. Space for this service is limited and residents are encouraged to apply early by contacting TreePhilly at 215-683-0217, treephilly@phila.gov or by visiting www.treephilly.org.

There are several ways citizens can get involved with TreePhilly, including planting and caring for trees on their property, volunteering for a tree planting event in their local park, or sponsoring community service days to plant and maintain trees. For more information, visit www.treephilly.org or call 215-683-0217.